El impacto del crecimiento poblacional en los cambios en el uso del suelo en la zona centro de la parroquia El Valle, entre los años 2001-2020

Abstract

In the parish of El Valle in the city of Cuenca, there have been significant changes in terms of population growth and land use, attributed to the urban development experienced by the city since the 1950s. This development has been driven by its role as a development pole and its importance as a strategic commercial center. These factors have led to changes such as population growth, loss of vegetation cover, expansion of the urban frontier, and new dynamics

in territorial organization. To investigate these transformations, a census study and a multi- temporal analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were conducted between

2001 and 2020. The research aims to analyze the impact of these changes, with a focus on population growth and changes in land use. The results of the study indicate that although the population has experienced a moderate increase, agricultural land has been the most affected in terms of land cover. This has resulted in a significant loss of native forests and vegetation. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable management of urban growth and environmental conservation in the region, in order to ensure the long-term well-being of El Valle.